Lectional Signs in Greek Verse Inscriptions

Since the use of lectional and critical signs is less frequent in inscriptions than in papyri and manuscripts, such signs have never been a concern of epigraphists. This paper aims to draw attention to verse-inscriptions and focus on three signs: paragraphos, diple obelismene, diple. Some examples of each sign found in verse-inscriptions are examined. Both prose and verse-inscriptions seem to document a use of these sigla which is likely to be earlier and more varied than the Aristarchean system, which might have resulted from some adaptation of a more flexible system for the special use of learned readers.